Russell “Red” Coffin, 75, died March 6, 2015, in his residence. He was the husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Angstadt) Coffin. Red was born August 20, 1939 in Allentown to Russell W. and Mary (Taylor) Coffin.
He was raised in Krumsville by foster parents Daniel and Elizabeth Kemp. He was a 1957 graduate of Kutztown High School.
His various places of employment were:
1957-1962 body shop at Nick Ciliberti Motors; 1963-1967 body shop at Union Garage, Allentown; 1968-1970 he was body shop manager at Hart Pontiac, Kutztown; 1970 -1999 he was employed as a claims adjuster with Berks Auto Appraisal. During his retirement he worked part time delivering parts for NAPA Auto Parts, Kutztown.
Red’s interest in cars and racing led to a career racing modified stock cars from 1963 to 1979. Red was Grandview Speedway Track Champion in 1965. He was second in points at Reading Fairgrounds in 1970 and second in points at Bridgeport Speedway in 1975.
In 1993 Red was one of the 1st group of drivers to be inducted into the Grandview Speedway Walk of Fame. In 2011 he was inducted into the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Hall of Fame.
For almost 18 years Red served as a Supervisor of Rockland Township.
He was a member of the Lyons Park Committee; Director of the Lyons Car show for 10 years; former President of the Kutztown Investment Club; former Director of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society; former Lyons Borough Councilman.
He is survived by his wife, daughter Keni M. wife of Brian Barrell, Mertztown, grandchildren, Adam husband of Jennifer (Bergeron) Barrell, Chelmsford, MA; Kara Barrell and Hallie Barrell, Mertztown; step grandson, Jesse Arndt husband of Jamie (Hassler) Arndt, Topton; step great grandchildren Courtny and Brent Arndt.
Red was predeceased by brother, Kenneth Coffin, sister Barbara Kent-Jackson, and stepson Robert V. Arndt.
Services were private. The Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home, Inc. Kutztown in charge of arrangements.